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Zlatan: Lack of appreciation for ‘under-valued’ Rooney staggers me

Manchester United forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has stated his annoyance at the lack of appreciation his team-mate Wayne Rooney receives.

On Saturday, Rooney broke the all-time scoring record for the Red Devils as his late free-kick that secured a dramatic equaliser for his side against Stoke saw him reach 250.

Praise has since been heaped down upon Rooney after he broke Sir Bobby Charlton’s record, however, a negative feel constantly surrounds the Englishman, which is something Ibrahimovic struggles to understand.

“He’s a complete player,” the Swede said. “Off the field he’s a real leader and on the field he’s just complete.

“He helps his team-mates well and has that big quality – he knows how to score goals, knows how to assist.

“But he works very hard, he’s got a good attitude and spirit.

“Everybody knows what Wayne is. But this country has to appreciate him.

“I don’t see any other strikers like him today. Give me some names. Tell me. And still you’re not happy.”

While Rooney will never be on the same level as Charlton for some, the impact the forward has had for both club and country is unquestionable, and Ibrahimovic has cited the giants of the past when underlining just how big Rooney’s achievement is.

“It’s amazing,” he said. “He’s the top scorer of the club and I’m very happy for him.

“It’s a big thing you know – many great players have been here and his name is right on top.

“I’m very proud to have been on the same field as him when he did it and hopefully he can continue to do what he’s doing.”

Not only did Rooney break Charlton’s record this weekend, the Football Writers’ Association also presented him with the annual Tribute Award, recognising his outstanding contribution to the national game.

Talking about breaking the record, Rooney spoke about how proud he is to reach 250 United goals, saying: “It is obviously a great achievement and it is a moment in my career which I am extremely proud of.

“It is something which has built up over the years and it has happened, I am delighted, and it is something that will stick with me forever.

“I am really pleased, proud and I would like to thank everyone for their messages over the last 24 hours, they have been great and I appreciate it.”